ABDULLAH GÜL Foreign Minister of the Rebuplic of Turkey T.C. Dışişleri Bakanı "PROGRES AND GLOBAL HARMONY" T.C. Dışişleri Bakanı Abdullah GÜL, 14 Haziran 2004 tarihinde yabancı devlet bakanlarını İslam Konferansı'nda İstanbul'da ağırladı. I wish to thank you for electing me to the Chair. I shall draw strength from your support. I pay tribute to my dear friend and colleague Minister KHARRAZI for his wise and skillful chairmanship of his term. I also thank Secretary-General Dr. BELKEZIZ for the excellent work he has accomplished and also the entire OIC Secretariat under his able guidance. I warmly welcome you in İstanbul for the Thirty-First Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, the session on 'Progress and Global Harmony'. You are indeed very much at home in İstanbul. This city is a living monument of our common Islamic heritage. Throughout centuries, İstanbul has also become a symbol of cultural and religious harmony. We meet again at a very crucial time. The Arab-Israeli conflict with the question of Palestine at its core is bleeding hopes away. Iraq has yet to show a genuine sign towards stability. Africa's problems remain to be solved. Terrorism is expanding its scope and intensifying in ferocity. Sense of security is fast diminishing. The continuing political, social and economic deprivation is bringing greater instability. Those preaching clash of civilizations are winning more attentive ears. Prejudices, fanaticism and discrimination are everywhere. And, insecurity is now threatening a global economic downturn. On the other hand, enhancing solidarity among peoples through international organizations and civil societies as well as benefiting from technological and scientific advances offer new opportunities. We, as the Islamic countries, are effected by all these issues directly. Therefore, we need to rise to the challenge. This is not a matter of choice; it is a mission dictated by our common heritage and our deep sense of history. Our task may be difficult. However, we must not fall to desperation. We must take strength from our common heritage which offers a rational and humanistic understanding of the world. This quality of Islamic culture and tradition has produced remarkable achievements in the past. But it is not enough to content ourselves with the old times. Our present challenge is to work for similar achievements today and in the future. You may recall what I stated one year ago in Tehran and elsewhere since then. I referred to the Islamic heritage of justice, tolerance, affection and solidarity. I suggested that it should strengthen our inspiration for more democratic, transparent, open societies. I argued that only well-governed and functioning societies can ensure efficient and fair distribution of resources and economic-social stability. I cautioned that, unless we take the initiative to put our own house in order, outer pressure would be felt. It is gratifying to see that many fellow OIC members feel the need for improved quality of political and social standards. Even within the past one year, we have witnessed individual and collective efforts towards this end. To mention a few; - The Alexandria Library Statement described democracy as 'a system in which freedom is both fundamental and paramount.' - The San'a Declaration stated; 'democratic systems protect the rights and interests of everybody without discrimination, especially the rights and interests of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.' - The Arab League Summit, chaired by Tunisia declared its determination for reform and modernization, and to keep pace with the rapid world changes. - Intellectual contributions by President HATAMI of Iran and President MUSHARRAF of Pakistan on the task of reform have been particularly noteworthy. - Also, the G-8 Summit took a substantive step in engaging its members with their partners in the Middle East in moving towards certain common objectives. Turkey's emphasis during the meeting was on the need for local and popular ownership of social change. - On the eve of our conference of today, Turkey hosted an international symposium on the 'Muslim World in the 21st Century'. It ended with a strong call for a positive change in our political, economic and cultural lives. These are important steps in the right direction. All of us should build on this momentum. The OIC has the capacity to contribute to this debate and actions to this end. Meanwhile, there has been an increasing interest both in the West and the East in Turkey's experience in harmonizing contemporary values with the traditional identity. Indeed, human rights, gender equality and accountability have recently reached their high standards in my country. Realization of universal standards, including the European political criteria by a Muslim society has been welcomed by all. Let us benefit from our meeting now. Let us put forward our vision for reform and better future. I propose to chart our joint efforts based on our shared objectives in the following manner: Common values: - The sovereign nations that make up the OIC are determined to further the political, economic, social and cultural progress of their societies. - Equality and freedom of their citizens is their cherished principle. - Transparency and accountability are guiding principles of good governance. - Broadening the representative nature and democratic practices of government is a constant objective. - Providing contemporary education to all its citizens is an essential function of the government. - Sustainable economic and social development should be pursued vigorously and efforts should be deployed in reducing poverty. Collective efforts: - The OIC members should assist each other in their efforts for progress and reform. - The OIC, as an institution, should devise ways and means for supporting the reforms in a collective framework. - Also for the purpose of shouldering these tasks, the OIC needs to make a determined effort to adapt its Secretariat to the growing demands of today. Wider international cooperation: - The OIC should develop and increase institutional relations with other regional organizations such as the Arab League, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the D-8, Gulf Cooperation Council, the African Union, the ASEAN, the European Union, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, for the purpose of fostering intra and inter-regional cooperation and for drawing expertise and resources for the OIC members' national projects. - These institutional relations should also help strengthen global harmony and attract meaningful interest in the settlement of the regional disputes. I also look forward to the convening of the second OIC-EU Joint Forum in Istanbul next October. This meeting will take place at a time when the need for cooperation and mutual understanding becomes more important than ever. The question of Palestine has become even more acute over the past year. Violence claimed many more innocent lives. The destruction brought by the policies of Israel deprived thousands of more Palestinians of even minimum requirements for living. The Palestinian Authority remains mainly incapacitated. Turkey has all along stated that the employment of terror, suicide missions, targeted assassinations and deliberate destruction can bring no good to any party either now or in the longer run. I would like to draw the attention of the international community once more to the urgency of the solution of this problem which, coupled with the situation in Iraq, continues to undermine global peace and harmony. In this regard, I commend the initiative taken by Malaysia, the OIC Summit Chairman. The Special Ministerial meeting held last April has led to a well-organized diplomatic activity. The OIC Ministerial delegation, including Turkey, has thus far met three of the four Quartet partners. Our message to the sponsors of the road-map has been clear. The OIC will actively stand behind genuine movement towards settlement, and the OIC will be watchful of all concerned parties. Inspired also by the Arab Peace Initiative, based on the wise ideas of Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the OIC can oversee the process to achieve the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. We can do the same for Israel's peace with Syria and Lebanon, based on Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. This can be achieved through the OIC mechanisms already available. Thus, the OIC, from its political and moral high ground, can offer full normalization and cooperation in the region.  Iraq now has an interim Government that will assume sovereignty by the end of this month. We wish this Government to be successful. We wish they prove to serve the collective interests of the Iraqi people in their entirety. We wish they remain conscious that the source of legitimacy of this interim Government ultimately lies with the people. I commend Mr. Lakhdar BRAHIMI, Special Advisor of the UN Secretary-General, in helping move forward the transition in Iraq. I hope the UN will be able to play its independent and effective role in assisting the Iraqis in institution-building and election preparation in the months ahead. Iraq meanwhile remains insecure and volatile. Violence and terror in Iraq need to be dealt with. This is essential for the transformation and the rebuilding of the country. The international community should support the Iraqi people in this process. It is a moral obligation for us. It is also an investment for regional peace and stability. In this respect, we welcome the unanimously adopted UN Security Council resolution 1546. The neighboring countries of Iraq have supported this country's free and peaceful future since the onset of the Iraqi crisis. This continuing joint initiative is a great asset for the integrity and the stability of Iraq. The OIC has a meaningful role to play in Iraq. Furthermore, UN Security Council Resolution 1546 calls upon international and regional organizations to contribute to Iraq's stability. Therefore, we should elaborate on ways on how to assist the political process as well as the humanitarian needs in Iraq. Turkey, during its Chairmanship of the ICFM, will pay particular attention to this point. Africa needs our particular attention. The longstanding problems of economic development, health and famine continue to undermine the nations of this continent. Regional conflicts make their challenges even more difficult. The need to support sustainable development and social progress in Africa is an international responsibility of which we need to take our share. Concerning Afghanistan, we are pleased that the Bonn process is being implemented successfully despite difficulties. Adoption of the new constitution is an important step towards the establishment of a new political structure in Afghanistan. With the upcoming elections in September, a new chapter will be opened. To maintain the pace of this progress, Afghanistan needs the continued commitment of the international community. Turkey will continue its support to Afghanistan. We remain concerned by the ongoing situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Its people have already suffered greatly. This question undermines the stability of the whole region. We look forward to a peaceful solution to this question through dialogue, on the basis of international legitimacy. The human rights of the Kashmiri people should be fully respected and their will honoured as mandated by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. VThe recent moves made by both Pakistan and India and the process of 'composite dialogue' have increased our hopes. We commend Pakistan for its continued efforts to sustain this dialogue. We wish to see that these efforts will be crowned with success this time. The Azeri-Armenian conflict still stands as one of the principal obstacles to regional stability, prosperity and cooperation in Southern Caucasia. The time has come to find a peaceful solution to this conflict within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories has to be brought to an end. This is in the interest of the regional countries as well as the international community. Turkey is ready to play its role in settling this issue. International terrorism is widening its reach and increasing in ferocity. It continues to claim lives and hopes around the world. Terrorism has no religion, ethnicity or culture. It is an affront to the humanity. Therefore, it must be fought back resolutely. Regarding Cyprus, the UN Settlement Plan was overwhelmingly rejected by the Greek Cypriot side on 24 April 2004, while the Turkish Cypriots approved it with a clear majority. This vote has fundamentally changed the circumstances in Cyprus. The international organizations and many countries expressed regret over the Greek Cypriot attitude. They all welcomed the Turkish Cypriots' determination for the settlement. Our Secretary-General Dr. BELKEZIZ reported that the international community, and the Muslim countries in particular, should work together to address the plight of the Turkish Cypriots by supporting them materially and politically. Also, the first ever official visit of the OIC Secretary-General on 28 May 2004 to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was most timely and meaningful. I commend this action of solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots. The UN Secretary-General, in his recent report, calls on all States to cooperate both bilaterally and in international bodies to eliminate restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development. Now it is high time for the international community to give full backing to the Turkish Cypriots by engaging in direct economic, commercial, social and cultural contacts with them. The EU and the USA have already taken some steps with a view to putting an end to the isolation of Turkish Cypriots. Our current meeting is an opportunity for this organization and the Islamic World to extend full support to Turkish Cypriot Muslim brothers, so as to put an end to their isolation. For many years, the OIC has been monitoring the conditions of the Turkish Muslim minority in Western Thrace. This minority has vested rights based on bilateral agreements and international instruments. However, they are not yet able to enjoy these basic minority rights to the full extent. The OIC therefore needs to continue to follow the Turkish Muslim minority's plight closely. I hope my Government's improving relations and dialogue with Greece will also contribute to the betterment of this minority's conditions. The economic and commercial activities of the OIC constitute one of the main pillars of our cooperation. The Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC), chaired by the President of Turkey, has been a highly effective instrument in this respect. And, this year marks the 20th anniversary of its inception. A special meeting of Ministers of Economy and Trade will be organized to mark this and to evaluate the perspectives of further economic-commercial cooperation among us. This year, we are also pleased to see the Framework Agreement for the Trade Preferential System among the Member Countries of the OIC coming into force. This is indeed a landmark. The Trade Negotiating Committee formed under this Agreement has also held its first meeting recently in Turkey. In this respect, I would also like to express my Government's continued support!for the activities of the two successful subsidiary organs of the OIC hosted by Turkey, namely IRCICA and SESRTCIC. I tried to address a number of major issues for our Organization. Many more vital matters constitute part of our agenda. Dealing with these requires year-round dedication and hard work. That is where the role of the Secretariat becomes crucial. My Government has an increasing interest in revitalizing the OIC and its Secretariat. The OIC needs to continue to move forward as an institution. We want to contribute to this in every possible way we can. It is in this spirit that my Government has decided to nominate a candidate for the post of Secretary-General of the OIC. Prof. Ekmeleddin IHSANOGLU has long been a household name for our Organization as the successful Director General of IRCICA. I do not need to repeat here what we all already know about his professional, academic and administrative credentials. I am confident that he will have more to offer as the Secretary- General of the Organization. Turkey will do its utmost over the next year as the Chairman of the ICFM to rise up to the challenges facing the Organization. We are confident that we can count on your full support. "İLERLEME VE KÜRESEL UYUM" Sevgili dostum ve meslektaşım Dışişleri Bakanı Sayın HARAZZI'ye bilgece ve maharetli bir şekilde gerçekleştirdiği Konferans Başkanlığı dönemi için takdirlerimi sunuyorum. Başardığı mükemmel işlerden dolayı Genel Sekreter Sayın BELKEZIZ'e ve onun yetkin önderliğindeki tüm İKÖ Sekretaryası'na teşekkür etmek istiyorum. 'İlerleme ve Küresel Uyum' temalı 31. İslam Dışişleri Bakanları Konferansı için İstanbul'a hoşgeldiniz. Temelinde Filistin sorununun bulunduğu Arap-İsrail uyuşmazlığı umutlarımızı köreltmektedir. Irak henüz istikrara kavuşacağına dair özlü bir işaret vermemiştir. Afrika'nın sorunları hala çözülmeyi beklemektedir. Terörizm, kapsamını genişletmekte ve şiddetini yoğunlaştırmaktadır. Devam eden siyasi, sosyal ve ekonomik yoksunluklar daha büyük istikrarsızlıkları beraberinde getirmektedir. Birçok İKÖ üyesinin de siyasi niteliklerini ve toplumsal standartlarını geliştirme ihtiyacı duyduğunu görmek memnuniyet vericidir. Bunlardan bir kaçını belirtmek gerekirse: İskenderiye Kütüphanesi Açıklaması, demokrasiyi, 'özgürlüğün en temel ve en yüksek değer olduğu bir sistem' şeklinde tarif etti. - San'a Bildirisi 'demokratik sistemlerin, herkesin, özellikle mağdur ve korumasız grupların hak ve çıkarlarını gözetmeksizin koruduğunu' belirtti. - Tunus Başkanlığı'nda yapılan Arap Ligi Zirvesi'nde reform ve modernleşme için kararlılık açıklamış ve süratle değişen dünyanın ivmesinin yakalanacağı belirtilmiştir. - İran Devlet Başkanı HATEMİ'nin ve Pakistan Cumhurbaşkanı MÜŞERREF'in reformlar konusundaki entelektüel katkıları özellikle kayda değerdir. - Aynı zamanda, G-8 Zirvesi, üye ülkelerin Ortadoğu'daki ortaklarıyla bazı müşterek amaçlara yönelik hareket etmesi için bölge ülkeleriyle işbirliği yapmalarına yönelik somut bir adım atmıştır. - Bugünkü Konferansımız arifesinde Türkiye, '21. Yüzyılda İslam Dünyası' konulu bir uluslararası sempozyuma ev sahipliği yapmıştır. Bu esnada Batı'da ve Doğu'da, Türkiye'nin güncel değerleri geleneksel kimlikle uyumlaştırma deneyimine artan bir ilgi gösterilmektedir. Avrupa siyasi kriterlerini de içeren evrensel standartların hayata geçirilmesi herkes tarafından memnuniyetle karşılanmıştır. Bu kapsamda, müşterek hedeflerimize yönelik ortak çabalarımızı, şimdi belirteceğim ana çizgiler çerçevesinde yapmayı öneriyorum. Ortak Değerler: - İKÖ' yü oluşturan egemen uluslar, halklarının siyasi, ekonomik, sosyal ve kültürel gelişimini ilerletmeye kararlıdır. - Vatandaşların eşitlik ve özgürlükleri en güçlü şekilde sahip çıkılan bir ilkedir. - Şeffaflık ve hesap verme sorumluluğu, hükümet etmenin yön gösteren ilkeleridir. - Hükümetin temsili doğasını ve demokratik faaliyetlerini genişletmek değişmez amaçtır. - Bütün vatandaşlara çağdaş eğitim sağlamak hükümetin görevidir. Toplu Çabalar: - İKÖ üyeleri birbirlerine ilerleme ve reform çabalarında yardımcı olmalıdır. - İKÖ, bir kurum olarak, reformların müşterek bir çerçevede desteklenmesine yönelik yolları ve araçları tertiplemelidir. - İKÖ, bu görevlere destek olmak amacıyla ayrıca, Sekretaryasını günümüzün gelişen taleplerine uygun hale getirmek için kararlı bir çaba göstermek ihtiyacındadır. Genişletilmiş Uluslararası İşbirliği: - İKÖ, bölge içi ve bölgelerarası işbirliğini teşvik etmek ve İKÖ üyelerinin ulusal projelerine uzmanlık ve kaynak sağlamak amacıyla Arap Ligi, Ekonomik İşbirliği Teşkilatı, D-8, Körfez İşbirliği Konseyi, Afrika Birliği, ASEAN, Avrupa Birliği, Avrupa Konseyi, Avrupa Güvenlik ve İşbirliği Teşkilatı ve Karadeniz Ekonomik İşbirliği gibi diğer bölgesel örgütlerle kurumsal ilişkilerini geliştirmeli ve artırmalıdır. - İkinci İKÖ-AB Ortak Forumu'nun önümüzdeki Ekim ayında İstanbul'da toplanmasını da ilgiyle bekliyorum. Suudi Arabistan Veliaht Prensi ABDULLAH'ın akıl fikirlerinden temel alan Arap Barış Girişiminden ilham alan İKÖ, İsrail ve Filistin arasında iki devletli bir çözüme ulaşılması sürecini gözlemleyebilir. Bunu, BM Güvenlik Konseyi'nin 242 ve 338 sayılı kararları temelinde, İsrail'in Suriye ve Lübnan ile barışı için de yapabiliriz. Irak'taki geçiş sürecinin ilerletilmesine olan katkılarından ötürü BM Genel Sekreteri'nin Özel Danışmanı Sayın Lakhdar BRAHIMI'ye takdirlerimi sunarım. Uluslararası camia, Irak halkını bu süreçte desteklemelidir. Dahası BM Güvenlik Konseyi'nin 1546 sayılı Kararı, Irak'ın istikrarına katkıda bulunmaları için uluslararası ve bölgesel örgütlere çağrı yapmaktadır. Afrika'nın özel ilgimize ihtiyacı vardır. Ekonomik gelişme, sağlık ve kıtlık gibi uzun süredir devam eden sorunlar, bu kıtadaki ulusların gelişimi önünde engel olmaya devam etmektedir. Afganistan'da mevcut güçlüklere rağmen Bonn mutabakatının uygulanmakta olmasından memnuniyet duyuyoruz. Anayasa'nın kabulü, Afganistan'da yeni bir siyasi yapının kurulması yolunda atılan önemli bir adımdır. Pakistan ve Hindistan tarafından son dönemde gerçekleştirilen açılımlar ve başlatılan 'bileşik diyalog' süreci, sorunun çözümü konusundaki umutlarımızı artırmıştır. Azeri-Ermeni ihtilafı halen Güney Kafkasya'da bölgesel istikrar, kalkınma ve işbirliğinin önündeki en temel sorunlardan biri olmaya devam etmektedir. Azerbaycan topraklarındaki Ermeni işgali sona erdirilmelidir. Kıbrıs konusuna gelince, Birleşmiş Milletler'in çözüm planı, 24 Nisan 2004 tarihinde Kıbrıs Rumları'nın büyük çoğunluğu tarafından reddedilirken, Kıbrıs Türkleri'nin açık çoğunluğunca onaylanmıştır. Aynı zamanda, İKÖ Genel Sekreteri'nin ilk kez olarak 28 Mayıs 2004 tarihinde Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti'ne gerçekleştirdiği ziyaret son derece anlamlı ve zamanlı olmuştur. İKÖ, yıllar boyunca Batı Trakya'daki Müslüman Türk azınlığın durumunu izlemiştir. Bu azınlık, ikili anlaşmalar ve uluslararası düzenlemelere dayanan haklara sahiptir. Ancak, bu temel azınlık haklarını henüz tam olarak kullanamamaktadır. İçinde bulunduğumuz yıl İSEDAK' ın kuruluşunun 20. yıldönümüdür. Bu bağlamda, Türkiye'nin ev sahipliği yaptığı İslam Konferansı Örgütü'nün iki tali organı olan IRCICA ve SESRTCIC' in faaliyetlerinin Hükümetimiz tarafından desteklendiğini belirtmek istiyorum. Hükümetim, İslam Konferansı Örgütü'nü ve Sekretaryası'nı yeniden canlandırma hususuna yönelik büyük bir ilgiye sahiptir. Bu hissiyatla, Hükümetim, İKÖ Genel-Sekreterliği için aday göstermeye karar vermiştir. Prof. Ekmeleddin İHSANOĞLU, uzun zamandır IRCICA' nın başarılı direktörü olarak örgütümüz bünyesinde faaliyet gösteren bir isimdir. Kendisinin, İKÖ Genel-Sekreteri olarak, çok yararlı katkılarda bulunacağına inanıyorum. Türkiye, İDBK Dönem Başkanı olarak, gelecek yıl boyunca Örgüt'ün karşı karşıya kalacağı zorlukları göğüslemek için elinden geleni yapacaktır.